Ni3+

[ErinKim1I]

Hi,

Can someone explain to me why the electron configuration of Ni3+ is [Ar] 3d^7, without the 4s orbitals filled up?

Thanks

[ErinKim1I]

Nevermind, I got it

[Celeste Martinez 1K]

I'll still explain it, just in case someone else is confused:
Nickel's (Ni) electron configuration is: [Ar] 3d^8 4s^2
Ni3+ means removing 3 electrons and when we do this, we have to take the electrons off from the highest energy, in this case, 4s. Since you can only take 2 electrons away from 4s, we have to take one away from 3d^8 which leaves us with the answer: Ni3+: [Ar] 3d^7

[Camille 4I]

Hi,
Wouldn't we want Ni to have a half full 3d orbital, since it is more stable that way?